kid friendly place

Kids asthma: Tips for an asthma-healthy home

2013-04-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

Eliminate Kids' Asthma Triggers At Home

More than 24 million Americans suffer from asthma, and 7 million of them are our kids. With school back in session, your kids are spending more time in enclosed spaces with other kids and are exposed to a wide range of germs and possible asthma triggers. We talked with Dr. Reynold Panettieri Jr., an asthma specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, about the dangers of asthma for kids and how we parents can help them manage the condition.

Asthma can be fatal

SheKnows: What exactly is asthma, and can it be life-threatening?

Dr. Panettieri: Asthma is a clinical disease characterized by increased sensitivity to allergens and environmental triggers that cause the airways in the lungs to become blocked or narrowed, resulting in the commonly known symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough. The symptoms often subside either spontaneously or as the result of therapy. If asthma symptoms persist and worsen in severity to the point that airflow in and out of the airways becomes completely blocked, then patients may experience a life-threatening asthma flare-up or attack. Fortunately, asthma mortality has declined in the past 10 years, but one patient with asthma dies every 30 minutes in the United States.

Asthma is on the rise

SheKnows: Is there a rise in asthma cases in the United States?

Dr. Panettieri: In the United States and globally, the prevalence of asthma is increasing. The precise reasons for the increase in asthma cases remain unclear. Interestingly, air pollution in industrial countries has improved over the past 20 years; however, asthma prevalence continues to climb. Experts believe that the increases in asthma prevalence may relate to more virulent viruses, indoor air pollution or potentially to decreased vitamin D exposure. Although these remain hypotheses, the cause for increases in asthma prevalence is likely multifactorial.

Asthma is not preventable

SheKnows: What can parents do to help prevent their children from developing asthma?

Dr. Panettieri: Since asthma is a hereditary disease, there is little that parents can do to prevent their child from having asthma. The precise genes that induce asthma remain unknown, and to date, there is no vaccine that will prevent children from getting the disease. Importantly, parents can be vigilant in looking for common symptoms, which include chest tightness, cough and wheeze. If their child is experiencing these types of symptoms frequently, parents should visit their child's physician. If their child is diagnosed with asthma, parents should work with their child's doctor to develop an asthma action plan, which is critically important to preventing asthma from progressing.

Know your asthma triggers

SheKnows: What are some common asthma triggers?

Dr. Panettieri: Each patient responds to asthma triggers in a unique manner. Some triggers such as cold air and pollens are seasonal in nature, causing the symptoms of asthma during the peak seasons of spring and fall. Viral infections are another common trigger, occurring more in the winter.
Recent evidence suggests that homes may harbor considerable indoor allergens and irritants that can worsen asthma symptoms. Such triggers include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typically found in paint, lacquers and varnishes. Others include dander from cats, dogs and other furry animals.

Tips for an asthma-healthy home

SheKnows: How can parents keep an asthma-healthy home?

Dr. Panettieri: Importantly, parents can try to minimize asthma triggers and maintain an asthma-healthy home by following some simple tips. For example:

Choose hard-surface flooring instead of carpet and hanging blinds in lieu of drapes to provide ease in cleaning and decrease the absorption of dust mites and pollens.
Select paints, varnishes and cleaning products with the lowest VOC levels to minimize the impact the fumes can have on asthma.
Frequent vacuuming and regularly changing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) filters may also help minimize asthma triggers within the home.
Hypo-allergenic stuffed toys that can withstand frequent washing can also reduce exposure to asthma triggers.

For more asthma-healthy home tips, visit www.buildsmartbreatheeasier.com. Build Smart, Breathe Easier is a national asthma education program sponsored by Merck and conducted in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In addition to building four asthma-healthy houses across the country with Habitat for Humanity, the program is designed to help educate about the importance of maintaining an asthma-healthy home and ways to help manage the disease.

Help your kids manage their asthma

SheKnows: What are your tips for managing asthma in kids?

Dr. Panettieri: The recognition of asthma symptoms and prompt intervention with current medicines to treat asthma are the best ways to manage the disease in children. Following healthcare providers' recommendations to reduce exposure to triggers, such as those previously mentioned, and frequent follow-up with a healthcare provider is critical in helping to improve the quality of life of patients. Importantly, all children should exercise, and although exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, optimally managed asthma will not impede exercise.

Asthma resources

SheKnows: What are some resources for parents for more information?

Dr. Panettieri: There are many websites that can give more information about asthma.

About Asthma

2013-04-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing, and it's common among kids and teens. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Anyone can have asthma, even infants, and the tendency to develop the condition is often inherited.
Asthma affects the bronchial tubes, or airways. When someone breathes normally, air is taken in through the nose or mouth and then goes into the trachea (windpipe), passing through the bronchial tubes, into the lungs, and finally back out again.
But people with asthma have inflamed airways that produce lots of thick mucus. They're also overly sensitive, or hyperreactive, to certain things, like exercise, dust, or cigarette smoke. This hyperreactivity causes the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways to tighten up. The combination of airway inflammation and muscle tightening narrows the airways and makes it difficult for air to move through.

More than 23 million people have asthma in the United States. In fact, it's the No. 1 reason kids chronically miss school. And flare-ups are the most common cause of pediatric emergency room visits due to a chronic illness.

Some kids have only mild, occasional symptoms or only show symptoms after exercising. Others have severe asthma that, left untreated, can dramatically limit how active they are and cause changes in lung function.
But thanks to new medications and treatment strategies, kids with asthma no longer need to sit on the sidelines, and parents no longer need to worry constantly about their child's well being.
With patient education and the right asthma management plan, families can learn to control symptoms and asthma flare-ups more independently, allowing kids to do just about anything they want.

Picky Eaters Tips

2010-12-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Patience and persistence are the tools for parents of a picky eater. Your tenacity to
make nutrition a priority will pay off in the long run as your child grows and
begins to form food associations, preferences and priorities. Your guidance
and role modeling will be a positive and formidable influence. (but you can’t see it rightnow, so hang in there and don’t give up.)

* Don’t despair. That leads to frustration and stress at meal times. That doesn’t help you or the child. Be patient there is no magic solutions because kids, like us adults, have different personalities, tolerance levels, patience, moods etc. So in other words, what works for one child may not work for another.

*Introduce one new food at a time. Introduce it with another food they enjoy.
* Don’t make your child clean their plate. Forget that old fashioned way of thinking. We now
know that kids, especially under five, have a good sense of their hunger. They will stop eating when they are full. The portion size they were given may be too much for them.

* Avoid bribing please! ie “If you eat your vegetables, you can have dessert later.” Think about the message that will send to your child. Dessert- reward, fun, happy, success.
Vegetables, not fun, requires a condition in order to eat them, Multiple studies have shown that bribing kids doesn’t promote good healthy food preferences in the long run.

* Just try to offer them one bite of the healthy food they don’t want to eat. If your child refuses, don’t give up or get mad. It just means they won’t try it today but that does not mean
forever. Keep bringing that vegetable back to mealtime every several days or so.

* Take advantage of other activities to expose your child to healthy foods outside of mealtime. Have them help you pick out the vegetables and fruits at the grocery store, or better yet, at the farmers market, Maybe the farmer will tell your child how they grew it. Let them help prepare the foods. I know I have said this before, but it can take kids 15 exposures before their
curiosity is piqued enough to try a new food.

* Be a fun healthy eating role model. The kids are watching you and paying attention. Pile on those veggies on your plate
and let them know how delicious it is. A little extra acting is
okay. You have an audience! It’s okay for kids to have a dessert or high sugar, high fat food once in awhile. Avoid completely eliminating a food they enjoy. It will only make them want it more. Instead, teach your child how these foods are good to have once in a while. Help them learn to eat small portions of these kinds of foods. We have to be realistic. Being healthy is about moderation, balance and portion sizes. There is room in a child’s diet for all kinds of foods. Some every
day and other once in while. When there are independent tweens/teens they will be making their own food choices. Home is a chance to teach children good eating habits and that includes teaching them about these high sugar foods and high fat foods.

* Avoid letting your child snack all day long. If they aren’t very hungry at mealtime they are
less likely to try new foods.
* Make the foods interesting. Jazz up those vegetables and fruits. Kids love dipping foods, so how about adding a low fat dip for their vegetables or fruits. Serve them their vegetable with a vegetable made of into a picture or funny face. Just image theirfaces when they sit down and see a happy smile made of celery, carrots and cucumbers. Make fruits and vegetables a fun event for kids. Have them color their plate with the food item. See if they can name the different colors. You can come up with different games using fruits and vegetables that can peak their interest about the food.
* If you find a couple of vegetables that they do like, well, it is okay to repeatedly serve
them. Just continue to introduce one new food at a time.
* To add more nutrition for that stubborn picky eater who absolutely refuses to eat vegetables or fruits, be creative. You can add vegetables into some of their favorite meals. Dice them finely and add these
healthy foods to their favorite meatloaf, stew, soup, casserole dish or
pasta.

Health Tips for Kids

2010-12-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

Parents today, need to think about keeping their kids healthy the natural way to combat various health problems. Here are some health tips for kids, which parents need to use to keep the child in good health.

Healthy habits are always instilled in a child during the childhood days. Teaching children the importance of a healthy diet is one of the first things parents always strive to explain to their children. A healthy habit when infused in a child from the early years, only helps in the overall child development and turns him/her into a responsible individual. Children need to be taught about the importance of healthy habits in a gentle manner. With time and care from your side, children are bound to understand the importance of healthy habits. Here is a basic compilation of tips related to kids' health. With these health tips, kids can learn to look after themselves during their growing years.

Health tips for kids

Teach your child the importance of a healthy routine. The day should always begin with a healthy breakfast. Help the child to understand why breakfast times are important for the day. You can make a chart of different recipes for breakfast and tell him/her gently about the importance of many vital ingredients for one’s body.

Fruits and green vegetables are so important for a healthy diet. Your child should know why fruits score over packaged foods. You need to include fresh fruits during breakfast times or slip one in the lunchbox. Make it interesting by having fresh fruit juices or even fruit salads to break the monotony.

Children are not aware about many things that are very important for their growth. As parents, you must ensure your child has plenty of water and fluids during the day. Fluids should include fresh juices. Make sure your child carries a bottle of fresh juices to school.

Kids should know the importance of exercise at an early age itself. Teach kids few basic exercises that can be done at home. An exercise routine that incorporates walking or swimming can help children to manage these activities on a daily basis. As they grow up, these routines will naturally form a part of their life.

Kids should also be aware of hygiene-related issues. Youngsters should learn things such as the need to wash hands before and after meals. For young kids, you can simply use a singsong routine to get them into the process. Children will then surely make this a part of their routine once they understand the importance of personal hygiene.

Dental care should begin at an early age. Brushing teeth twice daily is needed to keep teeth looking healthy and clean. You can promise to read a bedtime story for a kid that does not really enjoy a brushing routine. Make it seem enjoyable rather than making the child feel punished.

As your child grows older, you can help your kid maintain a chart on foods to be avoided on a regular basis. It’s important the child knows that indulgence in foods high in sugar is fine once in a while. It should not be done on an everyday basis. Avoid being too stern if your kid wants to enjoy foods such as French fries and ice cream. Simply teach your child how to be smart and consume such foods only occasionally.

Your child may require a daily dose of vitamins if the diet does not include the required amount. Make sure you check with your doctor about the vitamin intake to give the right amount of doses. There are many vitamin tablets packed in attractive containers. Generally, kids believe they eat candy instead of medicines due to the innovatively packed products that are available these days. There can also be alternative ways to include food items in the diet, which are a rich source of vitamins. Your doctor would be the best judge to decide upon the diet plan.

Parents also need to make sure their children get the appropriate amount of sleep. The child needs a healthy balance of activities and play. Sometimes, children take a long time to fall asleep. You can read a bedtime story or simply speak to the child softly. This will help the child to fall asleep naturally. This health tip will help children to stay in good health and remain active during the day.

Children need plenty of love and care right from their early years. Along with loads of love, these health tips will help to keep your kid fit and smiling throughout the day!

Health Tips for Kids 9 to 15 Years Old

2010-12-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Start your day with breakfast.
Breakfast fills your "empty tank" to get you going after a long night without food. And it can help you do better in school. Easy to prepare breakfasts include cold cereal with fruit and low-fat milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, whole-grain waffles or even last night's pizza! See also: Breakfast on the Fly

Get Moving!
It's easy to fit physical activities into your daily routine. Walk, bike or jog to see friends. Take a 10-minute activity break every hour while you read, do homework or watch TV. Climb stairs instead of taking an escalator or elevator. Try to do these things for a total of 30 minutes every day.

Snack Smart
Snacks are a great way to refuel. Choose snacks from different food groups -- a glass of low-fat milk and a few graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, or some dry cereal. If you eat smart at other meals, cookies, chips and candy are okay for occasional snacking.

Work up a Sweat
Vigorous work-outs -- when you're breathing hard and sweating -- help your heart pump better, give you more energy and help you look and feel your best. Start with a warm-up that stretches your muscles. Include 20 minutes of aerobic activity, such as running, jogging or dancing. Follow-up with activities that help make you stronger such as push-ups or lifting weights. Then cool-down with more stretching and deep breathing.

Don't Eat Too Much of One Thing
You don't have to give up foods like hamburgers, french fries and ice cream to eat healthfully. You just have to be smart about how often and how much of them you eat. Your body needs nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fat and many different vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and A, iron and calcium from a variety of foods. Balancing food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid and checking out the Nutrition Facts Panel on food labels will help you to get all these nutrients.

Get Fit With Friends and Family
Being active is much more fun with friends or family. Encourage others to join you and plan one special physical activity event, like a bike ride or hiking, with a group each week.

Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.
These foods give you carbohydrates for energy, plus vitamins, minerals and fiber. Besides, they taste good! Try breads such as whole-wheat, bagels and pita. Spaghetti and oatmeal are also in the grain group.

Bananas, strawberries and melons are some great tasting fruits. (See: Easy Ways to Eat More Fruit). Try vegetables raw, on a sandwich or in a salad.

Join in physical activities at school.
Whether you take a physical education class or do other physical activities at school, such as intramural sports, structured activities are a sure way to feel good, look good and stay physically fit.

Foods aren't good or bad.
A healthy eating style is like a puzzle with many parts. Each part -- or food -- is different. Some foods may have more fat, sugar or salt while others may have more vitamins or fiber. There is a place for all these foods. What makes a diet good or bad is how foods fit together. Balancing your choices is important. Fit in a higher-fat food, like pepperoni pizza, at dinner by choosing lower-fat foods at other meals. And don't forget about moderation. If two pieces of pizza fill you up, don't eat a third.

Make Healthy Eating and Physical Activities Fun!
Take advantage of physical activities you and your friends enjoy doing together and eat the foods you like. Be adventurous -- try new sports, games and other activities as well as new foods. You'll grow stronger, play longer, and look and feel better! Set realistic goals -- don't try changing too much at once.

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat

2010-12-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat

The Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite convertible Car Seat offers three modes of use. You will never have to buy another car seat. It can be used as a rear facing seat for an infant, forward facing with a 5-point harness and then converts to a belt positioning booster for a toddler. Equipped with ProTech, EPP energy absorbing foam, infant head support, and 3-position recline and pivoting armrests, your child will be comfortable and safe.

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Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat Convertible car seat offers 3 modes of use for an infant, young baby or toddler.. The Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat can be used in the rear-facing position for an infant or the forward facing position with a 5-point harness for an older baby and it converts to a belt-positioning booster for a toddler. The ProTech EPP energy absorbing foam makes the seat extra safe. The Quickfit harness system easily adjusts from the front wi

Can your child manage money?

2010-12-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

By Maggie Galehouse

Houston Chronicle

Nobody likes a spoiled brat.

And the air of entitlement wafting around that type of kid - which only grows thicker as the child grows older - often is linked directly to money. Teaching children how to respect and manage money begins with an allowance.

One rule of thumb is to give one dollar for each year of age.

"But I wouldn't start at $5 for a 5-year-old," says Janet Stern Solomon, financial expert and human resources professor.

It's too much.

Solomon wrote "Bratproofing Your Children: How to Raise Socially and Financially Responsible Kids" with her husband, Lewis, in 2007. Since then, a national financial slump has rendered money management an essential skill for people of any age.

For children, an allowance should be a fixed amount at regular intervals; the amount and frequency depend on the age and maturity of the child, Solomon says. Younger kids should get a small amount each week; teens might get a larger sum once a month.

An allowance should not be linked to household chores.

Cleaning your room or picking up after yourself is simply pulling your weight in the household. You don't get extra credit - or money - for that, Solomon says.

The same goes for grades. Studying and doing homework are baseline expectations. Parents shouldn't pay kids for good grades.

That said, a parent might reward a child for a special academic honor or pay for a special chore, such as cleaning the garage or weeding the garden, Solomon says.

Saving is a big piece of the financial lesson.

"You might give a younger child $5 in singles each week, so they can set a few dollars aside," Solomon says.

Discussing family finances with children when they reach the age of 10 or 11 is another opportunity to make a powerful point.

Solomon suggests starting with a big pile of Monopoly money that totals the amount Mom and Dad bring in each month. Tell the children how much each bill costs - the gas bill, electric bill, cable bill, insurance, mortgage and so on - and have them pull those amounts out of the big pile.

"It's very dramatic," Solomon says. "When you start, there's a large pile of money. But by the time you're finished with the necessities, the pile is a lot smaller. It's a real example that there is only so much to go around."

When you get right down to it, money management doesn't require real cash at all.

In her book, "The No-Cash Allowance," author and blogger Lynne Finch outlines the system she and her husband designed for their own children. There's no cash involved because kids see cash as something they need to spend immediately, Finch says.

Under Finch's system, the child controls a virtual pool of money and keeps an account on paper or online. The money and responsibilities increase as the child gets older.

"I wanted my kids to have an allowance," Finch explains, "but I didn't want them to think it was for whatever they wanted."

Beyond a flat allowance or "weekly credit," the virtual account contains money for stuff kids need and want, such as school supplies, birthday presents, clothes and electronics.

Let's say the child has $70 in the virtual account. Of that, $50 has been allotted for school expenses, leaving $20 for a birthday present to bring to an upcoming party.

But once at the store, the child selects a $25 birthday gift. Should the child spend $5 less on school supplies and purchase the desired gift? Find a less expensive gift? Spend $50 on school supplies and wait until the following week to buy the birthday gift, when an additional $5 in "weekly credit" will be added to the virtual account?

These are the painful decisions of effective money management, Finch says, and this is what children need to sort through.

In a world that runs on debits and credits, they need to watch the money coming in - and going out.

"It's money parents would be spending anyway," Finch says. "So all parents are doing is transferring control and responsibility to children in a safe environment."

Giving up that control can be tough for moms and dads, she adds.

It's hard to watch your child purchase a flimsy toy or poorly made clothing. But dealing with the aftermath of a bad purchase is part of a financial education.

It's OK to consult with your children if they ask for advice on a purchase, Finch says. And it's important to sympathize with them after a bad purchase. But let them control their own small financial destiny.

"If they don't make mistakes now, they're going to make mistakes later," Finch says. "When they learn to drive a car, eventually you have to give them the keys."

how much is too much?

The allowance It's a fixed amount of money given to children at regular intervals. The amount and frequency depend on the age and maturity of the child. It shouldn't be tied to chores or decent grades; these are basic expectations for children.

The timing Kids are never too young. Even a 3-year-old understands that if a coloring book costs $4 and he has only $3 to spend, he's out of luck.

The amount That depends on the child. Come up with an allowance based on what your child wants to buy. If your 7-year-old likes Pokemon cards and a big pack costs $10, a $7 weekly allowance would get him two packs every three weeks. Does that sound reasonable?
Copyright 2010
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Help your kids overcome 'I want it now' mentality

2010-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

You're in the thick of the holiday shopping season and your youngster has a serious case of the gotta-have-it-now syndrome.

Talk about going in 60 million directions, without a worry about costs. One day it's an obsession for a laptop computer. Then he's all excited about the hot video game system. Two days later, he yearns for Guitar Hero III.

Good grief. About the only thing not on your son's shopping list is a little something called delayed gratification.

Most children - and parents, too - are hard-wired to want cool, fun stuff. It's normal. But, says Kansas City, Mo., financial author Sheelagh Manheim, "your job is to overcome that desire with economic reality."

That said, how can you set reasonable limits with your youngster on what's affordable within the family budget and also tone down the consumption drive that hits especially hard this time of year?

Here are a few tips to help your children overcome the "right now" mentality and become better consumers.

Get a job: The best way to slow down a child's consumption is to help them set goals and discuss how they plan to earn the money, said Susan Beacham, co-founder of The Money Savvy Generation. "At least it gets them to stop, think and reflect before the purchase," she said.

For example, Beacham said, if your son wants to upgrade his electronic game system, "post the goal and the plan and then leave it up to him to fulfill. If they earn the upgrade, it at least came as a result of reflection and true desire, not the satisfaction of an impulse."

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

2010-12-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

Once your child outgrows her rear-facing infant car seat, she's still required ride in a car seat or a booster for several more years to come. So rather than investing in a succession of seats and boosters, try the Graco Nautilus 3-in 1 Toddler Car Seat, the only forward-facing car seat your child will need. Its five-point harness accommodates children up to 65 pounds, and its convertible booster/backless booster can hold children up to 100 pounds in weight--longer than most other convertible car seats.

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Versatile, Convertible Design Lasts through Early Childhood
The Nautilus features an extended five-point harness design that can accommodate children over the age of one, from 20 to 65 pounds in weight--a wider range than most other forward-facing car seats. As your child grows, the seat easily converts to a high-back booster and then, lastly, to a backless booster for a child up to 100 pounds in weight. A steel-reinforced frame and superior construction help to ensure safety and durability through years of use.

Built for Comfort and Superior Safety
You can rest assured that your child will have superior protection while riding in the Nautilus, thanks to extensive crash testing and a steel-reinforced structure. The car seat meets or exceeds US Safety Standards, including U.S. Compliance Standard FMVSS 213; the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), with peak Crash Force approximately twice the Car Seat Standard; and tests for Extreme Car Interior Temperatures. EPS energy-absorbing foam provides additional security and comfort.

As well as being secure and safe, your child will feel extra-comfy, too, with an easily adjustable head support, cushioned seat, and wide armrests; a cup holder and side storage keeps snacks and treasures close at hand.

About Graco
In 1942, Russell Gray and Robert Cone formed Graco Metal Products, in Philadelphia, PA. For 11 years, the firm fabricated machine and car parts for local manufacturers. In 1953, Gray left the firm, leaving Cone as sole owner. Cone decided to manufacture his own line of products, but had trouble coming up with ideas. Enter David Saint, an engineer, tinkerer, and stained glass artisan who worked for Graco. Saint, himself a father of nine, was intrigued when an associate told him how his wife would soothe their tired and cranky baby while swinging in a backyard glider swing. Acting on this inspiration, he went to the drawing board and 18 months of hard work later, the world's first wind-up infant swing, the Graco Swyngomatic, was born. Graco sold millions of Swyngomatics in the coming years, becoming one of the world's leading manufacturers of juvenile products in the process. Today, Graco is a Newell Rubbermaid company, with 1500 associates worldwide. While a half-century has brought many changes to Graco, their dedication and commitment to designing and manufacturing top-quality products remains, and continues on.

What's in the Box
Graco Nautilus 3-in 1 Toddler Car Seat (Matrix).
From the Manufacturer
The Graco Nautilus Car Seat is a 3-in-1 multi- mode car seat for children 20 pounds to 100 pounds. This is the last car seat you will need to buy for your child. The Nautilus is ideal for your children from one to ten years old. First, it is an extended 5 point harness seat for children 20 to 65 pounds that features an easy to install system with a lock off buckle for easy secure installation. Second, it works as a high back booster for children 30 pounds to 100 pounds, and finally as a backless booster for children 40 pounds to 100 pounds. The Nautilus Car Seat has a steel reinforced frame for durability, and has a 3-position recline for proper installation and comfort. The car seat offers easy access storage and cup holders for your child’s enjoyment. Nautilus transforms into three modes to go the distance.

Finding the Right Feeding Schedule and Routine for Your Baby Whether You Bottle or Breastfeed

2010-12-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

A new parent worries about getting the right baby feeding schedule and often looks for a guide. Many new parents have questions about how often they should be feeding their babies, and they encounter conflicting advice and information. Feed your baby whenever he or she is hungry. Babies need frequent feedings: most guidelines say a newborn needs food about every two to three hours at first, 24 hours a day.

Keeping baby in your room when night feeding

It's wise to take a tip from experts who say it's better to keep the baby in your room. The biggest problem with breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby may be the effect that 'round the clock nursing has on your own sleeping schedule. Night feeding can be less disruptive if you move the baby in with you, either placing the crib beside your bed or bringing the baby into your bed. Then when the baby wakes up hungry, you can nurse without even having to be fully awake yourself.
How often will my baby get hungry and should I follow the pediatrician's feeding plan?
Your baby feeding schedule will probably be regulated by your baby. Most healthy, full term babies wake up hungry every couple of hours, so you probably won't have to keep a chart. If your baby has health problems or if your milk supply is a little low, you may have to schedule feedings to keep your baby healthy and to ensure your body is stimulated to create milk. If you feed your child on a regular schedule at first, you may find your milk production becoming more reliable.

Some infants feed more frequently at certain times of the day or night, and go for longer periods without feeding at other times. In cluster feeding, the baby eats in small amounts but more frequently than usual. Your baby's first year is a series of developmental stages: a new born may eat according to your pediatrician's feeding chart, but within a couple of months, you may need to change your feeding plan to meet your child's needs. The amount your child eats should be up to him or her. Feed your baby as much as he or she wants to eat at one time: shortening feedings can leave your child hungry.

What's different about how a premature baby learns to eat?
Mothers of premature babies or newborns who aren't instinctively eating 8-12 times per day may find that they need to keep track of feeding to make sure the baby gains weight. Signs of hunger include rooting, sucking on fingers or hands, and crying. If your preemie prefers sleeping to eating, you may need to wake your baby during the night for feedings. Keeping the baby in your room is one way to simplify feedings: an alarm clock with a gentle chime is another way to wake for feedings without becoming fully awake each time. One of the greatest stresses new moms and dads suffer is the stress of not having a complete night's sleep for months at a time: do whatever you can to minimize that problem.

What changes can you expect from your baby's feeding schedule?
As your baby's stomach grows, your baby feeding schedule will become normalize and time between feedings will increase. It's possible to night wean your child around nine months of age (some experts recommend one year, but it depends on how badly you need to sleep). Night weaning will be effective if your baby is developmentally ready for it: otherwise, you can do everything right and you'll still be waking up with a hungry child. But you can try feeding more frequently in the hours leading up to bedtime and through the day, putting in one last feeding just before you go to bed yourself, and increasing the quality of daytime feedings. Research has shown that babies will eat up to 25% more at a feeding if they aren't distracted by things going on around them. Nurse your baby in a quiet room where there's nothing else happening.

When Can My Baby Start Drinking Water?

2010-12-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

The answer to this question is "yes". The answer is also "no"! The full answer is that, like all human beings, babies do need to take in water in order to survive.

But they don't actually need to drink water—in fact, pediatricians advise against giving your baby plain or distilled water until he or she is six months old. Babies get their water needs met by drinking breastmilk or formula, both of which are mostly water.

The reason your doctor will tell you not to feed your baby plain water is that it's easy to fill up an infant's stomach; a few little ounces will do the job. Babies should be filling up on nourishment—getting the nutrients they need from each feeding.

Once your baby has been teething, he or she will need fluoride to support thenew teeth, so giving drinking water is a good way to meet that need. But until then, let your baby get water in his or her usual feedings of mother's milk or formula.

If your baby is running a temperature, your pediatrician may advise you to give him or her more liquids. Usually, your doctor will suggest a liquid like Pedialyte, which contains nutrients to restore the balance of your child's electrolytes. Again, don't give your infant water instead of other liquids unless the doctor advises it.

Corolle Hairstyling and Makeup Head - 9" Tall with Rooted Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes

2010-12-06T07:37:00.001-08:00

Corolle Hairstyling and Makeup Head - 9" Tall with Rooted Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes

Nurture the young hairstylist with Corolle's Hairstyling and Makeup Head. Designed for ages three and up, the head features realistic, rooted blonde hair and blue "sleeping" eyes. She comes with hair accessories including: a brush, two scrunchies, a barrette with a lock of braided pink hair, and one butterfly clip. Your child will enjoy playing "hair salon" and giving her dozens of different styles with the included accessories.

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Style it, Brush it, Wash it
The Hairstyling Head's rooted blonde hair feels very realistic, and will last through many brushing and styling sessions. The head is washable and can be put in the bath tub or sink for shampooing when needed. The Hairstyling Head stands at nine inches tall and is light -- weighing approximately two pounds. It is also infused with a sweet vanilla scent.

Parents should remind children that if they cut the head's hair, it will not grow back. However, with the decorative hair accessories included, there will be plenty of up-dos, braids, pig tails, and more to keep your child busy styling hair.

Hands-on, Imaginative Play
The Hairstyling Head will help improve your child's motor skills and provide hours of imaginative, interactive, hands-on play. There are many options for styling and makeup -- especially with all of the colorful accessories included. Playing with hair and makeup has been a childhood staple, and this is a good, age-appropriate doll for them to experiment with.

What's in the Box
Hairstyling head, brush, two scrunchies, a barrette with a lock of braided pink hair, and one butterfly clip.

Fisher-Price Imaginext BIGFOOT the Monster

2010-12-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price Imaginext BIGFOOT the Monster

The Fisher-Price Imaginext Big Foot the Monster is a personable and fun wireless remote-control companion that boasts a wide range of reactions and features. This battery-powered behemoth will talk, roll, tumble, and express emotions--all via remote control. Kids from 36 months to 8 years old will laugh at his fun antics, speech, and emotive face as he ambles around the house.

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A Big Monster with a Big Personality
Made of hard plastic with a patch of fuzzy synthetic hair on his head, Big Foot executes his movements via remote control and jointed shoulders, elbows, and hips. Designed after the famous mythical monster that inhabits the woods of the Pacific Northwest, Big Foot features movable limbs, brows, eyes, and jaws that offer puppet-like movement. You can also interact with Big Foot directly--he has several buttons on his body that trigger different reactions.

He also comes with two plastic accessories: a red ball that he can throw and a plastic green leaf for fancy. As expected with a toy that walks and tumbles, Big Foot may scuff due to everyday wear, but the plastic is easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.

A Monster that Burps, Laughs, and Talks
With the wireless remote control, your kids will have Big Foot walking, rolling forward and backward, exercising, sleeping, expressing anger (he's hungry!) or joy (you're his buddy!). Your kids can even place the red ball in his right hand and use the remote to have him toss it. This charming monster will also perform random acts via the remote's wild card button.

With a bank of over 30 phrases, words, and funny noises, Big Foot will amuse your kids with his personality. Not limited by functions on the remote, your kids can interact directly with him by touching his jaw to make him chomp and burp or his belly to tickle him and make him laugh.

You and your children will enjoy hanging out with Big Foot on carpeted surfaces with ample space. He'll move great on hard floors, but his tumbling and rolling can be loud against such surfaces.

Easy to Set Up
This toy comes with a 7.2V Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack and charger. All you'll need for set up are two AA batteries for the remote control and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Snap Big Foot's arm into its socket, put in the batteries, and he'll be ready to entertain.

What's in the Box
Big Foot Toy, detachable arm, two plastic toy pieces, wireless remote control, 7.2V Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack, charger, and safety instructions.

Keeping Kids Away from Internet Porn

2010-12-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

Toddler and Teenager Expert Advice from Carleton Kendrick, Ed.M., LCSW

Question: We have an 11-year-old son. He went away for a week to his grandparents and wound up getting into pornographic (male) sites on the Internet. I had had suspicions that he might do this because I had walked in on him typing in the word masturbate, so I warned his grandparents, and told them to keep an eye on him. Well, he would get on there after they went to bed, even after being told not to. Not only was he looking but he was conversing with some of the people and having them send him pictures under his screen name here at home and to his grandparents email address. We found out about it, because I occasionally check to see what he is being sent and by whom. We had put a password under our screen name, but he being the smart kid he is, figured out that he could go to the username and get onto the Internet. We deleted his sceen name and told him no more computer for quite a while, and my husband spoke to him about all this. What we were wondering is, should we take him to a shrink, or is this just normal curiosity? He won't open up with us and tell us anything, and my husband was real blunt with him about what these types of people would want to do with him, and he said not to worry he didn't want to hear any more. We just don't know if what we've done is enough or if there is something else we should do. Please help!

Answer: Your 11-year-old son's sexual curiosity is quite normal and in today's world that pre-adolescent curiosity often entails cruising the Internet for porn sites. His Internet porn explorations don't necessitate a trip to a therapist but they do warrant further discussions and rules regarding his home computer use. First, keep your computer in a very public place in your house. Talk to your son about why you don't want pornography coming into your house. Don't just lecture him that it's bad and immoral. Explain your family's values behind this prohibition and use these discussions as bridges to talk to him about age-appropriate sex and sexuality concerns ("It's Perfectly Normal", by Robie Harris, is a superb resource for your son's age and stage of development).

You can use whatever parental controls your Internet service provider offers and install any number of filtering devices but this always comes down to parents and kids agreeing on a set of rules regarding the computer.

What disturbs me most about your story is his exchanging personal information with people on the Internet. I am sure that he thinks that you are overreacting to possible dangers of this practice. There are pedophiles and other dangerous people who lurk on the Internet, in chat rooms, on porn sites, etc. They assume different identities and build up a relationship with kids that eventually leads to their asking the kids to meet them in person. Your son must NEVER give out any personal information about himself or any other member of your family. I'd suggest that he not be allowed to use the computer at all.

We can't prevent our kids from doing things we don't approve of outside our home but we can insist that they respect our family values within our home. Don't treat your son like he's always under suspicion of Internet abuse. The best that you can give him now is the beginning of an ongoing series of discussions about healthy sexual practices backed up by your family's values and beliefs. Although he may assume a know-it-all, non-responsive attitude toward your discussions with him, he needs to hear what you have to say and why you believe as you do.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://life.familyeducation.com/internet-safety/sexuality/41620.html#ixzz17LSm1HVv

Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck

2010-11-29T02:45:00.000-08:00

Stinky the Garbage Truck from Matchbox is an interactive, working garbage truck with a hilarious, larger-than-life personality. As the newest addition to the Big Rig Buddies line, Stinky features sensory points, an articulated body that allows his head and front half to move, and over 90 phrases and sounds. Kids aged 3 and up will be eager to make Stinky their best interactive buddy.

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An Interactive Garbage Truck that Talks, Sings, Eats, and Dumps
Interactive Stinky is an articulated garbage truck that can be transformed into a tough, yet loveable friend. His moveable, white driver's cab turns like a head, and his front wheels rear up--either manually or in response to different sensory buttons.

Stinky has a big, bold, and entertaining personality that he expresses with over 90 phrases and songs. Sometimes he's all business, and will let you know that the cleaning crew is coming through. Other times he's in the mood to sing, exercise, or solicit high fives. Boys who love interactive toys will find a fun new friend in Stinky. This rough-and-tumble vehicle features plenty of moving parts that define his distinct personality.

Feisty Stinky Features Many Modes of Play
Kids can turn Stinky off and play with him manually, just like a regular toy vehicle, but his five interactive modes are where the fun is at. When he's pushed and pulled in his vehicle position, he'll turn his head-like cab side to side and blink his headlights. To have Stinky speak, push or pull his smokestack, lift his rear door, or poke his belly button.

Stinky's not shy about telling you he's hungry. The grille of his cab functions as a mouth in which you can feed small items that'll be dumped out later. Even Stinky's bright green trash compartment operates like the real thing--drop small items into the top, and he'll dump it out of his rear door when you pull on his smoke stack.

Who would've thought that a stinky garbage truck could sing? Push the button on his smoke stack repeatedly, and he'll rear up to dance and belt out a funny tune. If Stinky is left alone for too long he'll fall asleep; press his smoke stack to rouse him awake. He comes with four C batteries that are for demo purposes only, so you'll need to replace them with fresh batteries before handing him over to the kids.

Matchbox Big Rig Buddies DVD Included
This DVD includes two exciting episodes featuring Stinky, a young boy named Felix, and the rest of the Big Rig Crew. Together, they'll take on challenges and fun adventures that impress teamwork, friendship, and heroism.

What's in the Box
Stinky the Garbage Truck with four C demonstration batteries, Big Rig Buddies DVD, and instructions.

Tonka Interactive Rumblin Chuck

2010-11-29T02:41:00.000-08:00

The Tonka Rumblin' Chuck is an interactive companion designed for kids ages 3 and up. This cheerful electronic truck will captivate your child with more than 50 sounds and phrases. In addition, Chuck features several fun animations: he'll wiggle, pop wheelies, and can even dump the load he's carrying. With his friendly disposition and charming design, Chuck is sure to become your child's newest best friend.

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A Cheerful, Animated Dump Truck
Kids will be delighted by Chuck's silly animations and antics. You can press down on various pressure points or pick him up by his truck bed to activate his numerous movements. Kids will enjoy watching Chuck as he spins, wiggles, pops wheelies, and more. Chuck also packs a few unexpected surprises. For example, when you load up his truck bed with too many items, Chuck will automatically react by dumping his truck-bed load all over the floor. He'll also spontaneously burst into motion and will even pop wheelies on occasion. Unlike other, more predictable toys, Chuck is designed to keep kids' attention after hours of play.

Chatty with Context-Specific Phrases
Chuck is also packed with more than 50 various sounds and phrases. When you press down on his truck bed or roll him around, he'll recite various clever phrases, like "Let's kick up some dirt!" Many of his phrases are context specific. For instance, when you're loading Chuck up, he might encourage you to load more by saying, "Keep it coming!" Or, when he's picked up by his truck bed, he might exclaim, "Serious hang time!"

Parents who prefer peace and quiet can breathe easy too. If you want Chuck to be quiet, you can simply turn his sounds off with the flick of a switch.

Endearing, Enduring Design
Chuck features a cute, endearing design that will capture a child's heart. He has a bright, cartoonish color scheme of blue, red, and yellow. He has a friendly expression, with a constant smile and lively blue eyes. Chuck has also been designed to withstand years of wear and tear, thanks to his durable, warp-resistant plastic construction.

Rumblin Chuck Storybook
Chuck also comes with an accompanying storybook, titled Friends for the Long Haul. This brief, fully-colored story follows Chuck and his friends as they play together. Chuck's friends represent different working vehicles, such as a bulldozer, a tow truck, and a fire engine. Overall, the story promotes a positive message about the value of friends and having fun. It's a good addition to any child's book collection.

What's in the Box
Tonka Rumblin Chuck toy, storybook, four C batteries, and instruction booklet.

Fisher-Price Stand 'n Play Rampway Play Set

2010-11-29T02:27:00.000-08:00

With the Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway, you'll get a 2-foot-tall racer-themed play set that will rev your child's imagination. Your kids will enjoy racing their cars up and down this easy-to-assemble track and creating their own speedway adventures. With two spiraling ramps, two Little People race car drivers, and plenty of extras, this toy Rampway will provide any child between the ages of 18 months and 5 years with plenty of fast-wheeling fun.

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Because the Rampway has two spiral ramps and two cars, your child can share and race with friends. But the fun doesn't stop at zooming down the tracks. Kids can gas up their cars, take them up and down the moveable elevators, or drive them along the paths located at the bases near the finish lines. Other features include a moveable car lift and elevator and images of Little People at work and play in Wheelieville.

Sometimes the cars will flip or fly off the ramps when they're let go up top at the starting lines, but this adds to the fun and challenge your child will experience as he strategizes ways to beat his opponent. The guzzling gas, honking, and cheering sound effects add another layer of racing fun to this toy.

The Rampway includes moveable parts, such as stop signs, a gas pump, and a hinged sign that spins when cars zoom through. Young kids, especially toddlers, will be attracted to the generous size of this toy.

Eddie and the Mystery Driver DVD
The Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway comes with a Little People Wheelies DVD featuring "Eddie and the Mystery Driver," a short animation based on Fisher-Price Little People characters. Children will love experiencing the world of Wheelieville, where all its citizens love to drive. The film stars Eddie, a fast and popular racer, as he practices for a town-wide race. With his best friend Freddie navigating, Eddie meets the rubber-burning Mystery Driver.

Speedy Assembly
All you'll need to put the Stand 'n Play Rampway together are three AA batteries for powering the sound effects and a Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the accompanying screws. Upper and lower wall pieces snap snuggly together and are set into the two base pieces.

The 11 ramp sections are numbered for easy assemblage. Additional pieces to assemble include the top ramp, two balconies, a car lift, and elevator.

Little Playzone with Sounds and Lights

2010-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Other products by Friendly Toys :Little Playzone with Sounds and Lights

Little kids will love playing in the Little Playzone! There are lots of things to see and do: the activity board has colorful spinning balls, a play phone and light-up musical keyboard. A swinging hinged door with safety lock gives parents easy access to children. Additional connectors and walls can be added to expand the size. These extra connectors and walls are sold separately. Quick and easy assembly and disassembly for compact storage. Great for indoor/outdoor use. Instruction sheet included. Imported. 23Hx46Lx46W".
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Product Features

* Great indoor and outdoor play yard
* Assembles quickly into various configurations
* 13 sq. ft. of play yard is secured with a safety lock on the door
* Smooth non-toxic surface wipe clean easily

24 Sq. Ft. (set of 24 + borders) 'We Sell Mats' Anti-Fatige Interlocking EVA Foam Flooring-Set of six Multi-Color Tiles-Each 12"x12"x3/8" Thick

2010-04-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Other products by We Sell Mats :24 Sq. Ft. (set of 24 + borders) 'We Sell Mats' Anti-Fatige Interlocking EVA Foam Flooring-Set of six Multi-Color Tiles-Each 12"x12"x3/8" Thick

This item by, We Sell Mats, is designed by our product engineers with quality, durability and value in mind. Because all "We Sell Mats" branded items are sold specifically be "We Sell Mats", you can always be confident that you will receive a quality product at a great price. Comes with twenty-four multi-color tiles (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple and Orange). Each measuring 12" x 12" for a total of 24 Sq Ft. Measuring 3/8" thick (please refer to a ruler to make sure this is the thickness you need) and extremely durable. Borders Included. Perfect for ages 3+. Provides a cushion to hard floor surfaces in playrooms, classrooms, daycares and more.
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Product Features

* This item by, We Sell Mats, comes with twenty-four multi-color tiles.
* Measuring 3/8" thick. Colors-Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple and Orange.
* Borders Included.
* Perfect for ages 3+.
* Provides a cushion to hard floor surfaces in playrooms, classrooms, daycares and more.

Awesome Baby Kids Playpen 8 Panel Play Center Safety Yard Pen

2010-03-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

Other products by ProSource :Awesome Baby Kids Playpen 8 Panel Play Center Safety Yard Pen

Standard Playzone provides approx. 13sq ft of space. (Assembled Dimensions 24H x 46L x 46W") - Activity board has a picture house, spinning balls, play phone - Swinging hinged door with safety lock - Extra connectors and walls are included - Supports Up to 40 lbs. - Manufacturer's Suggested Age Range: 3 and under
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Product Features

* Assembled Dimensions 24H x 46L x 46W"
* Activity board has a picture house, spinning balls, play phone and light-up musical keyboard
* Swinging hinged door with safety lock
* Extra connectors and walls are included
* Manufacturer's Suggested Age Range: 3 and under

2010-03-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

Summer Infant Secure Comfort Foam Booster Seat

Soft foam seat is comfortable for child and easy to clean for parents. It has 3 position height adjustments with non-slip grip feet. This includes 3 point safety restraint and secures chair straps. It has a Vinyl travel bag that is included for on-the-go.
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Product Features

* Soft foam seat is comfortable for child and easy to clean for parents
* 2 position height adjustment with non-slip grip feet
* Includes 3 point safety restraint and secure chair straps
* Vinyl travel bag included for on-the-go

2010-03-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Seaside UV Sun Protective Short-Sleeve Girls Sun Shirt (Rashguard, UPF 50+)

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Seaside UV Sun Protective Short-Sleeve Girls Sun Shirt (Rashguard, UPF 50+)

The Seaside short-sleeved sunshirt (aka rashguard) is designed with an attractive solid and print fabric combination to offer a fashion-oriented shirt popular with girls of all ages. The sunshirt is made from high quality, tested fabric to provide a great look that protects all day long. The light material is fast-drying, so no worries about a wet, heavy shirt at the pool or beach.
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Product Features

* UPF 50+ Rated; UV protective fabric Blocks 97.5% of UV rays.
* Comfortable fit and fast drying
* Sizes ranging from 6/12mos to 14 years
* No hassle return or exchange policy

2010-03-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Zutano Short Sleeve Zutano Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Our short sleeve super soft tee looks great layered under our jackets and combined with a pair of Zutano pants. This great layering piece is essential for completing any three piece signature outfit. Have fun creating an outfit that is unique to your child's personality and style. This made up of 100% cotton and is great for mix and match able clothing. Zutano is a husband and wife owned company and the products are designed in the foothills of Vermont.
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Product Features

Size: 0 - 6 Months |
Mix and matchable clothing
Zutano is a husband and wife owned company and the products are designed in the foothills of Vermont
Have fun creating an outfit
Dress your child in style

2010-03-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support

The Boppy noggin nest head support pillow to help guard against flat head syndrome. This patented design includes a cut out hole to relieve pressure from the back of the baby's head, helping to maintain the roundness of his head. Its generous side padding provides comfort.
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Product Features

The boppy noggin nest head support slightly raises baby's head so that it isn't lying flat against a hard surface

Nestle your little one into the boppy noggin nest head support pillow to help guard against flat head syndrome
Includes a cut out hole to relieve pressure from the back of the baby's head, helping to maintain the roundness of his head
Generous side padding provides comfort

2010-03-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

T
he Rainforest Jumperoo is a safe and comfortable place for baby to sit and play, whether he stays for just a moment or for several minutes. Two soft leaves extend from the frame to create an overhead canopy with soft toys that dangle down for fun bat-at play. It also features a rotating seat with soft spring covers that keep little fingers safe from pinching, and three-position height adjustment for a custom fit.
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Product Features

Introduce baby to a place full of exciting sights and sounds and lots of safe jumping fun with the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. Designed for use by a child who is able to hold his or her head up unassisted, and who is not yet able to climb out or walk, this baby jumper delights baby with interactive play options and stimulating movement to help encourage healthy development.